Email a Friend
Print ArticleMedical Dictionary
antinuclear antibody (ANA)
- an antibody showing an affinity for nuclear antigens including DNA and found in the serum of a high proportion of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain collagen diseases, and in some of their healthy relatives; as well as about 1% of otherwise healthy people. Different antinuclear antibodies generate distinctive patterns on immunofluorescence staining tests. These patterns have clinical relevance and reflect which nuclear constituents (autoantigens) are generative specific antibody responses.
WebMD Medical Reference from "Stedman's Medical Dictionary"
The publisher is not responsible (as a matter of product liability,
negligence or otherwise) for any injury resulting from any material contained
herein. This publication contains information relating to general principles of
medical care which should not be construed as specific instructions for
individual patients. Manufacturers’ product information and package inserts
should be reviewed for current information, including contraindications,
dosages and precautions.
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary 28th Edition, Copyright© 2006_Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12Statins
Lifestyle expert James Rippe, MD, has tips on how to leave your couch potato days behind.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.